M&S Food Christmas ad introduces new character Duckie voiced by Jennifer Saunders

M&S Food has released its Christmas advert for this year with the fairy voiced by Dawn French casting her magic on an unsuspecting object once again.

This time the retailer introduces Duckie to the world, a chewable dog toy brought to life and voiced by Jennifer Saunders, Dawn French’s long-term comedy partner.

Last year, it was Tom Holland who provided the voice for Percy Pig, who wreaked havoc on an M&S store.

In the new 90-second spot – which will be broadcast on ITV This Morning today – the fairy teaches the tattered Duckie character how to fly out of the house dog’s harmful reach. The pair then land on a Christmas table spread of the supermarket’s finest food.

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“This Christmas we know families want a cosy but special get together at home,” M&S Food director of marketing and hospitality, Sharry Cramond, said.

“Our ad brings to life what we have to offer – the perfect menu to deliver that warm, fuzzy, festive feeling. We know value is front of mind for families and our food range is about offering the best possible quality at the best possible price – from essentials to showstoppers – alongside that all-important dose of M&S Christmas magic.

“We couldn’t resist reuniting two British icons in Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders with the British icon that is M&S. It’s a match made in heaven as they lend their voices to the glamorous Fairy and adorable Duckie and it’s fantastic to have them on board. I predict Wylie the dog will go on to be a huge star!”

The campaign is the first in a series of eight showing the adventures of the two festive characters.

Dawn French added: “I had the time of my life lending my voice to the Fairy that brought Percy Pig to life last year. I was so excited that M&S wanted to bring her back for more adventures and discover more of that amazing food… and, this time with a trusty new sidekick!”

The news comes as a flurry of brands begin to air their Christmas campaigns, with the likes of Very, River Island and H.Samuel releasing their festive ads last month.

Jennifer Saunders concluded: “When the call came in asking me to be in the M&S Christmas ad, I didn’t have to think about it. And to bring the team back together for it? It was a Christmas must.”